This delicious meal combines the savory delights of honey pepper chicken with the comforting richness of creamy macaroni cheese. Follow this guide to whip up a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or indulgent evenings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready for the chicken to be baked to perfection.
Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, black pepper, and minced garlic. This mixture will coat the chicken, giving it a vibrant blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
Bake the Chicken:
- Lay the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the honey pepper sauce over them, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has caramelized into a sticky glaze.
Cook the Macaroni:
- While the chicken is baking, boil the elbow macaroni as per the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, until golden, to form a roux. This step is crucial for a smooth cheese sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens and reaches a simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve the baked honey pepper chicken alongside the creamy macaroni cheese. Garnish the dish with chopped parsley to add a touch of freshness.
This meal is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, from the juicy, spicy chicken to the smooth, cheesy pasta. It’s sure to become a new favorite!